What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing signs of a possible bacterial infection, such as a wound that won't heal, unusual drainage, redness, swelling, or persistent skin irritation. It helps identify whether aerobic bacteria like Staph, Strep, or Pseudomonas are present at the site of concern. Knowing which bacteria are involved can guide the right next steps for treating the infection.

How should I prepare for this test?

How can I naturally support my body's ability to fight infection? Staying well hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin C and zinc, getting enough sleep, and keeping the affected area clean and covered can help support your immune response. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use before testing (unless already prescribed) helps ensure accurate culture results. These habits support your body's natural healing process alongside any treatment you may need.

What's included in this test?

This test includes an aerobic bacterial culture along with a gram stain. The culture grows any bacteria present in your sample so they can be identified, while the gram stain gives a fast, early look at the type of bacteria present, which helps confirm the specimen quality and gives a preliminary read while the full culture develops.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus abnormal culture result means. If bacteria are identified, the report will note the organism found, which can help guide next steps like starting an appropriate treatment or retesting after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you test again in the future, you'll be able to track results side by side using the trends feature. If you notice worsening symptoms like fever, spreading redness, or increasing pain, seek medical care right away.

When will I get my results?

Results for this culture typically take about 7 days because bacteria need time to grow in the lab before they can be properly identified. Some preliminary information, like the gram stain, may be available sooner, but the full culture result requires the full incubation period to be accurate. You'll be notified as soon as your complete results are ready in your account.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a suspected skin, wound, or soft tissue infection that isn't improving on its own should consider this test. It's especially useful if you have a cut, sore, or area of skin that is red, swollen, warm, or oozing fluid. It's also helpful for confirming whether an infection has cleared after treatment.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around a wound or area of skin, along with pus or unusual drainage. A wound that isn't healing as expected, has a foul odor, or keeps coming back can also point to a bacterial infection. Fever combined with any of these skin symptoms is another reason to get tested.

What does a positive culture result mean?

A positive result means bacteria were found growing in your sample, and the report will name the specific type identified, such as Staph aureus or Pseudomonas. This doesn't automatically mean you need treatment, since some bacteria are normal on skin, but it does help identify what's present. The interpretation depends on where the sample was taken from and how likely that bacteria is to cause infection in that location.

What does a negative culture result mean?

A negative result means no significant aerobic bacteria grew from your sample, which suggests a bacterial infection is unlikely at the tested site. If your symptoms continue despite a negative result, it may be worth considering other causes, such as a fungal or viral issue, or resampling if the first collection may have missed the affected area. Keep track of your symptoms and retest if they persist or worsen.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If bacteria are identified, keep the area clean and dry, avoid irritating it further, and follow any pre-collection or care instructions provided with your order. Retesting after a period of care can help confirm whether the infection has resolved. If you experience fever, spreading redness, or increasing pain, seek medical care right away.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Aerobic Bacteria Culture - Wound & Skin Infection Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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